One-Hour Homemade Chicken Soup

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €6.15 · €1.54/serving

• 1 to 2 tablespoons of premium extra-virgin olive oilEst. price €0.15–€0.35
• 1 pound of tender boneless, skinless chicken thighsEst. price €4.50–€8.00
• 11/2 teaspoons of exquisite kosher saltEst. price €0.02–€0.05
• 3 celery ribs, finely chopped (adds a delightful crunch)Est. price €0.60–€1.20
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped (for a pop of color)Est. price €0.20–€0.40
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, coarsely choppedEst. price €0.15–€0.30
• 1 tablespoon of House Herbs or a luxurious dried Italian herb blendEst. price €0.10–€0.25
• 3 cloves of fresh garlic, roughly chopped (enhances the aroma)Est. price €0.15–€0.25
• 1/2 cup of delicate short pasta, like small elbow macaroni or rotiniEst. price €0.25–€0.50
• 2 dashes of Tabasco or another fiery hot sauce (adjust to taste)Est. price €0.03–€0.08

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a stockpot or large pot over high heat. Proceed by cutting the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and seasoning them with 1/2 teaspoon of salt before adding them to the pot. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until it develops a golden-brown color. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until both sides are browned, enhancing the flavor and appearance of the dish. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate bowl while trying to retain as much fat in the pot as possible. If needed, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to ensure there is enough fat for subsequent steps.

2. 2

   Place the celery, carrots, onion, and herbs into the pot. Cook them over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the carrots have a slight tenderness. Introduce the garlic and sauté for another minute. Remember to stir continuously and deglaze by scraping off any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to blend them in with the vegetables.

3. 3

   Add the chicken along with any accumulated juices back into the pot. Pour in 5 cups of water and mix well. Heat the soup over high heat until it reaches a boil, then lower the heat. Remove any foam that rises to the surface. Let the soup gently simmer for 15 minutes before adding the pasta. Allow it to simmer for another 15 minutes. If the pasta is not cooked to your liking, simmer for additional time until it reaches desired tenderness.

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• Cultural note

  Chicken soup has a long history of being a nourishing and healing dish in many cultures around the world. It is often referred to as 'Jewish penicillin' in Jewish culture for its perceived medicinal qualities. This homemade version with fresh ingredients reflects the tradition of making wholesome, from-scratch meals.

• Seasonal note

  Chicken soup is a comforting dish commonly enjoyed during the colder months, making it ideal for fall and winter. Fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, and onions are typically in season during the cooler seasons, enhancing the flavor and freshness of the soup.

• Health note

  One-Hour Homemade Chicken Soup is a nutritious option, providing a good source of protein and essential vitamins like A and C from the vegetables. It is relatively high in sodium, so it's important to watch salt intake. The dish also contains healthy fats from olive oil and chicken thighs.